How do we come up with a new idea as exciting as the Post-it Note, 3D printing technology, or [ChatGPT](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/blog/gettingstartedchatGPT)?

Feels impossible, doesnt it?

Yet most leading experts argue that new ideas can in fact be systematically produced  its more a matter of adopting the right mindset, practices, and an environment that encourages failure.

Ahead of our blockbuster [in-person events with Adam Grant](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/event.php?eventId=a1J9g000000R00ZEAS) in Melbourne on February 20 and Sydney on February 22, we share research-backed insights from 3 thought leaders who teach this stuff at the highest level. \(See our [2024 program of events ](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/?promoCode=Blog#liveevents)so far\).

After all, every journey begins with simple first steps. So, lets get started.

**Adam Grant  Whartons \#1 professor 7 years in a row**

In his new book _Hidden Potential,_ top-ranking TED speaker [Adam Grant ](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/event.php?eventId=a1J9g000000R00ZEAS)suggests you:

**Set a mistake budget:** Instead of punishing failures, set goals for a certain number of mistakes per day or per week. This encourages experimentation and accelerates learning by reducing fixation and rumination over errors.

**Seek productive discomfort:** Pursue challenges that initially feel daunting or uncomfortable, as overcoming difficulties is key for growth. Don't just learn, aim to feel stretched. Discomfort indicates you're headed in a growth direction.

**Shift from group brainstorming** to independent ideation \(Adam calls this brainwriting\). Research shows people often self-censor and conform in traditional brainstorming. Instead, have people independently generate ideas first. Then compile all contributions anonymously for the group to build on the most promising possibilities.

**Andrew McAfee  A Principal Research Scientist at MIT Sloan School of Management**

In his new book _The Geek Way,_[Andrew McAfee](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/event.php?eventId=a1J9g000000RoStEAK) suggests you:

**Make disagreeing with the boss your job.** In geeky tech companies \(the highly successful ones, anyway\) people feel safe and even obliged to disagree with their superiors as a way to help in important decisions in the face of uncertainty.

**See trying to never fail as a dead end.** McAfee says business geeks know that a culture that minimises losses is, they believe, a culture that becomes conservative, slow-moving, and hesitant.

**Remain open to the idea of a pivot**. McAfee says a reorientation of the entire company \(like YouTube, which started out as a video dating site\) can occur if something unsuccessful reveals a valuable capability. Its better than refusing to admit that an original idea was wrong, and running your organisation into the ground.

**Be deliberate about what behaviours you model as a leader.** Everyone takes their cue from the higher-status person at work. Leaders at companies known to successfully innovate will be transparent about their mistakes and their flaws. This leads to trust, and a team that trusts each other will be more cohesive and collaborative.

We offer you the opportunity to attend a free live virtual event with Andrew McAfee discussing his new book _"The Geek Way"_ on Wednesday 20 March 2024 at 11 AM \(AEDT\). [Book your spot now. ](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/event.php?eventId=a1J9g000000RoStEAK)

**Amy Edmondson - Professor of Leadership at Harvard Business School**

In her new book _Right Kind of Wrong,_ [Amy Edmondson](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/blog/AmyEdmondsonfailresearch) suggests you:

**Celebrate intelligent failure.** A healthy company will do this, because without it there can be no innovation, says Amy. Intelligent requires that the failure be:

- **In new territory**. Theres not enough knowledge to produce a success

- **In pursuit of a goal**. It requires learning and discovery

- **Hypothesis driven**. Youve done your homework

- **Small enough**. Its just big enough to learn from\)

**Check if youve got a healthy failure culture.** If the teams work involves uncertainty, novelty, or interdependence, ask the question What percent of what Im hearing in a given week is good news versus bad, progress versus problems, agreement versus dissent, Alls well or I need help. Too much of the former may be a warning sign that people arent speaking up.

We offer you access to a FREE live virutal event with Professor of Leadership at **Harvard Business School** and current \#1 **Thinkers50** management thought leader [Amy Edmondson: Embracing Failure to Learn Faster](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/event.php?eventId=a1J9g000000RloiEAC) on Wednesday, January 31 2024 at 11 AM \(AEDT\).

**See Adam Grant in person in 2024**

To see Adam Grant in-person and hear more of his insights on work-life, culture, discovering hidden potential in teams, and [psychological safety](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/blog/adamgrantpsychologicalsafety) dont miss his highly-anticipated Australian tour in 2024[ ADAM GRANT  LIVE: Unlock Hidden Potential & Transform WorkLife](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/event.php?eventId=a1J9g000000R00ZEAS). Tickets are selling fast \(Some categories SOLD OUT\).

**About Adam Grant**

Adam Grant is a renowned organisational psychologist, bestselling author, and global influencer. As Wharton's top-rated professor for seven consecutive years, his expertise in motivation, generosity, original thinking, and rethinking has made him a leading authority in his field.

His five _New York Times_ bestselling books _Think Again, Give and Take, Originals, Option B_ , and _Power Moves_ have resonated with millions of readers in 45 languages. His latest book is _Hidden Potential._

With hugely successful TED talks and his TED podcasts WorkLife and ReThinking, plus a substantial social media following and popular monthly newsletter, Adam Grant is one of the world's most inspiring thinkers and speakers.

Photo by [Kvalifik](https://unsplash.com/@kvalifik?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/person-holding-orange-flower-petals-5Q07sS54D0Q?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash)

Second photo of Amy Edmondson supplied by Amy Edmondson

How to Unlock New Ideas at Work

10 expert tips from Adam Grant, Amy Edmondson and Andrew McAfee

Keep informed
Stay Inspired

How to Unlock New Ideas at Work

10 expert tips from Adam Grant, Amy Edmondson and Andrew McAfee

Keep informedStay Inspired

Keep informed
Stay Inspired